Chef Manager

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday (7AM-3.30PM)
• £32,000 per annum
• Sodexo rewards and benefits

Job Introduction

Sodexo believes that great people make great places. We’re committed to creating supportive, inclusive environments where our teams can thrive, develop their skills and make a real difference every day.

We’re now looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Chef Manager to join our team at L.U.L. Acton Apprentices, 123 Gunnersbury Lane, London, W3 8JR.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands-on, leading from the front and creating a great experience for customers and colleagues. You’ll play an important role in the day-to-day running of the operation, helping us deliver high standards while supporting and developing a fantastic team.

What you’ll do

As part of the team, you’ll help make sure everything runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. You’ll:

• Lead and support the day-to-day operation, ensuring our food, service and customer experience are consistently delivered to a high standard.
• Be visible and hands-on during service, walking the floor, supporting colleagues and making sure our customers receive a warm, friendly and efficient service.
• Lead daily pre-service briefings at 11:30am, sharing key information, allocating team members and highlighting opportunities to maximise sales and customer engagement.
• Take pride in our food, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, portion control and temperature are maintained at all times.
• Monitor and manage labour, expenses, stock, raw materials and other costs, helping the unit achieve its financial targets and budget.
• Complete weekly and monthly financial and trading returns accurately and on time, including e-Prophit and UDC.
• Make sure all Health & Safety, food safety, cleaning, temperature and ROL procedures are followed and recorded correctly.
• Support the team during busy service periods, including serving customers and ensuring all service offers are available and delivered to the required standard.
• Build strong relationships with customers and clients, listening to feedback and using it to help us continually improve.
• Supervise, motivate and support the team, helping with rotas, holidays, training, development, induction and performance.
• Create a positive team environment where colleagues feel supported, valued and encouraged to do their best.
• Manage ordering, purchasing and stock control, including weekly stock takes and checking deliveries for quantity and quality.
• Ensure counters, servery areas and food service areas are clean, well presented and ready for service throughout the day.
• Support events, promotions and marketing initiatives, ensuring the right POS and promotional materials are in place.
• Look for new and creative ways to promote our offers, events and initiatives and help grow the business.
• Make sure equipment is safe and fit for use, reporting any faults, damage or food safety concerns immediately.
• Keep accurate HR and operational records, including pay-related information through e-Prophit.
• Complete cashing-up procedures accurately and ensure site monies are managed securely.
• Work closely with management and colleagues to resolve issues quickly and maintain high standards across the operation.
• Take part in team briefings, training and site initiatives and be willing to support the wider operation when needed.
• Be available to take the emergency weekend phone at least twice a year.

What you bring

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about great food, great service and great people. You’ll ideally have:

• Experience in catering, hospitality, food service or a similar customer-focused environment.
• Experience of supervising or leading a team and the confidence to motivate and support others.
• A good understanding of food safety, Health & Safety, hygiene and operational standards.
• Experience managing stock, costs, purchasing, labour or budgets.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to stay calm and focused in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable personality.
• A genuine passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience.
• A hands-on approach and the confidence to get involved and lead by example.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of sales, margins, targets and cost control.
• The ability to identify problems, take ownership and find practical solutions.
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn, develop and support those around you.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and build positive relationships with customers, clients and colleagues.

What we offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications

File Downloads

• 2025 Benefits UK Brochure V9.pdf